Driving Transformation: A Quinquennial Analysis of Dacia’s Just-in-Time Industrial Rebirth and Production Logistics in Romania

This study investigates the comprehensive transformation of Dacia’s production and logistics since 1995, analyzing its evolution from a struggling local manufacturer to a global automotive powerhouse. It combines both qualitative analysis and quantitative methods to provide a holistic view of the company’s journey, examining how the Logan X90 project, conceived as a simple and robust car, reshaped the entire operations’ modernization, whilst also serving as the catalyst for Dacia’s future models. By examining key production, capacity, and logistical data, descriptive statistics and linear regression models are used to empirically demonstrate the impact of Renault’s vision and strategic investments in Romania. Findings reveal that Renault’s modernization efforts were highly effective, leading to a significant increase in production capacity and output with high efficiency, as evidenced by a strong positive correlation between capacity and production. Implementing lean management principles and a renewed focus on supply chain management were critical for overcoming chronic quality issues and achieving operational excellence. The conclusion highlights how these foundational changes enabled Dacia to maintain remarkably stable production levels, even amid the more recent global crises. This paper offers a detailed case study on how a legacy manufacturer can achieve resilience and competitive advantage through a combination of strategic capital investment, cultural shifts, and operational rigor, combined with synergic effects of a leading automotive industry alliance’s logistics capabilities.